how do you decide?

I had it handed to me, but it was unexpected. My last three months of school I worked in the ER as a CNA. I had no intention of applying as an RN. I applied in Peds and Nursery. I got stopped in the hall by a house supe who said the ER manager was very upset because she was holding one of two postions for me and I hadn't even applied. I would have been a fool to turn it down. I've been in ER ever since and I love it, can't imagine doing anything else.

Sometimes the decision gets made for you. If you work in a large metropolitan area with tertiary care facilities, there may be both NICU and CCU openings, but many hospitals will not hire new grads directly into a critical care area. The ones who do hire new grads on these units will often have a nurse internship program.

My advice is to apply for any position that interests you and that you're qualified for. Things will likely fall into place from there.

I am graduating in December. I just can't decide where i want to work. I am stuck between NICU and Cardiac. How in the world do you make that decision when you are just coming out of school not really knowing which area for sure is for you? Did anyone else have this problem???

Really?? You're stuck??

Look at your handle, Angel...there's your clue :)

I am graduating in December. I just can't decide where i want to work. I am stuck between NICU and Cardiac. How in the world do you make that decision when you are just coming out of school not really knowing which area for sure is for you? Did anyone else have this problem???

You're not alone. I grad in Dec. too and can't decide. I'm going to do Med/Surg while I figure it out.

If you haven't had exposure to each of these units, try to arrange a job shadow experience. Talk to nurses from each area. Ask them what they like/dislike about the place. Find out about scheduling, shift availability, overtime (mandatory and voluntary), benefits and other non-medical matters. Ask about turnover rate. If one unit has openings fairly often while the other rarely does, that might tell you something. What kind of orientation does each unit offer and what do they expect as far as extra-curricular committments--unit meetings, continuing ed., seminars, etc. Is tuition reimbursement available for outside classes? See if you can get a look at the requirements for each step of the clinical ladder so you know what it will take to advance.

Finally, ask yourself what you want to be doing five or ten years from now and see if either job jumps out at you as the better opportunity.

This is a nice problem to have. I wish you well.